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When's the best time to spay my dog? Before or after her first heat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 6 months and 13 days old | 16 lbs

When do I spay Bella? She hasn't Thad her first heat yet. Should I spay her before she has her first heat or after? I'm looking for an estimated date please.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Isabelle Roese, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 11th, 2017

Hello, female puppies can be spayed when they are 12 weeks old. I always suggest spaying before her first heat cycle unless she has viginitis issues. In dogs, spaying before the first heat cycle reduce chances of mammary cancer by over 99% . If spayed after first or second eat cycle, there are still some great benefits. You should call a few veterinary office close to you for an estimate. Prices often vary depending on sIze and can vary very much between veterinary offices. I work for a non profit organization in north Florida, we charge about a $100. This does not includ pre anesthetic bloodwork and may not reflect prices in private practices around the country.I hope this helps,

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Great question! Most vets recommend spaying before the first heat cycle which typically occurs around 6 months of age. It is possible she already went through her because sometimes you won't see the bleeding. If you haven't seen bleeding and her vulva isn't swollen, I would recommend having it done ASAP. If she goes through the heat cycle, you need to wait about 6 weeks to have the surgery. Every heat cycle she goes through, increases her risks of cancer as she gets older. I hope this answer helps. Kisses to Bella!

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    Answered By Rebeccah Wood

    Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

    Published on July 30th, 2017

    Most veterinarians recommend having your dog spayed at 6 months of age, as this is right before they go into their first heat cycle. A heat cycle is usually associated with increased hormone levels, as well as swelling and discharge at the vulva. This increase in hormones can predispose a dog to mammary tumors in the future, and the risk of conditions like pyometra (an infection in the uterus) are also increased. Spaying is a safe and permanent measure to prevent these issues from occurring. I hope this helps! :)

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2019

    I would have Mya spayed before her first heat cycle. If you wait until after her first heat cycle, you raise her chances of getting mammary tumors later in life from 0.8% to 8%. Plus you don't have to worry about her accidentally getting pregnant, and don't have to deal with a dog in heat. I'd have her spayed at six months of age. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2016

    Great question! I personally recommend having Mila spayed around six months of age, which will be before she goes into her first heat. When a dog is spayed before their first heat, she will have a 0.8% chance of developing mammary tumors later in life. If she is spayed after her first heat, she will have an 8% chance of developing mammary tumors, and spaying her after her second (or subsequent heats) will give her a 25% chance of developing them.

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